The hints checklist - Hints for Australian Travellers
What to do in the months before you go
Study your destination and its laws, customs and climate.
Organise appropriate clothing and learn some useful phrases.
Think about your personal safety on your trip. Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive instant email notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
See your doctor or travel health centre. Get your vaccinations and plan to stay healthy. (Note that some vaccinations can take three or even six months to become effective.)
If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months from planned entry to another country.
If you need a new passport, apply for it in plenty of time.
If you have a disability, check the facilities of places where you want to go.
Book your ticket and organise appropriate travel insurance.
Find out what visas you need and obtain them.
Check that your medicines are legal where you intend to visit.
Arrange for sufficient medicines to meet your personal medical needs.
Double-check that you have adequate health and travel insurance.
If you are receiving a payment through Centrelink, call to inform them of your trip.
Write or update your will.
Get adaptor plugs for electrical equipment you plan to take.
Check what you can take back to Australia. If you're thinking about shopping overseas, read Guide for travellers -know before you go (pdf) and What can't I take into Australia?; and if in doubt check it out! Does your luggage break wildlife laws?.
Consult Tax back for travellers (pdf). It tells you how to claim your GST refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Organise your travellers cheques, credit cards, foreign cash and phone card.
Register your presence overseas to make it easier for us to contact you in an emergency, whether it be a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
If you will be away for a long time
Consult your tax accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office.
Inform your local electoral office.
Leave a power of attorney document with a person you trust.
Register your presence overseas
A few days before you go
Check the current travel advice for any countries you plan to visit and subscribe to travel advice updates if you have not already done so.
Confirm your reservations.
Check your travel documents.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, visa, passport photo page, credit card, phone card and travellers cheque details with family or a friend.
Pack your own copy of your travel documents and other details separately from your handbag or wallet.
Label all your luggage clearly.